MONTI, GIORGIO1; VAILATI, MARCO2; GAETANI, ANGELO3; PAOLONE, ACHILLE4

1) Full Professor, University Sapienza of Rome, Department of Structural Engineering and Geotechnics, Italy.

E-mail: giorgio.monti@uniroma1.it

2) Research fellow, University Sapienza of Rome, Department of Structural Engineering and Geotechnics, Italy.

E-mail: marco.vailati@uniroma1.it

3) PhD student, University Sapienza of Rome, Department of Structural Engineering and Geotechnics, Italy.

E-mail: angelo.gaetani@uniroma1.it

4) Full Professor, University Sapienza of Rome, Department of Structural Engineering and Geotechnics, Italy.

E-mail: achille.paolone@uniroma1.it

The seismic capacity of masonry arches with circular shape is studied in this paper. The analytical procedure presented moves stems from the limit analysis of local mechanisms prescribed by the current Italian code. An analytical model is developed, which provides a simple tool for quick seismic evaluations of existing arches and for the design of strengthening interventions at the extrados.

Considering a case study, by varying the value of the main geometrical parameters, a sensitivity analysis of the risk index is also carried out. This study provides qualitative and quantitative insight in the significance of these parameters in the overall seismic response of masonry arches, thus allowing a deeper physical interpretation of the problem.

Keywords: Masonry arches, limit analysis, existing building assessment, strengthening techniques, virtual works.